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Auburn University
Elderhostel Coordinators: Please feel free to contact us!
Dr. Bonnie Stauffer
(334) 844-3109
Email: elderho@auburn.edu
ELDERHOSTEL SITE INFORMATION: FLORENCE (MUSCLE SHOALS), AL
We are delighted that you have chosen to participate in an Auburn University sponsored Elderhostel program at The Shoals Marriott Resort and Spa in Florence, Alabama! More detailed information about specific programs may be obtained by selecting the particular program from the Program Information section.
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LODGING | MEALS | TRAVEL | CLIMATE | WHAT TO BRING | GENERAL INFORMATION
Lodging Information
The Shoals Marriott Resort and Spa
800 Cox Street Parkway
Florence, AL 35630 USA
phone: 256-246-3600
web: www.marriottshoals.com
-Phone number where family members can reach a guest: (256) 246-3600
PROGRAM ON-SITE REGISTRATION AND CHECK-OUT
Hotel Check-in/Check-out:
• Hotel check-in time is at 4:00 p.m. If a vacant room is available, however, you may be able to check in at an earlier time.
• Hotel check-out time is 12:00 Noon (Most programs conclude after breakfast and a short class/activity on the last day).
• To arrange to stay the night before the program, or to stay an extra night at the Elderhostel rate, please call: Reservations @ 1-800-593-6450. Identify yourself as being part of the Elderhostel program. If there are rooms available, they should honor your request.
-Reminder: This site is in the Central Time Zone.
ABOUT THE SHOALS MARRIOTT RESORT AND SPA AND PARKING
Hotel and Room Amenities:
• Hotel provides: Cable TV, high speed wired and wireless internet access for a fee of $9.95/day, iron/board, in-room coffee, small refrigerator, separate shower and separate bathtub, balcony for every room, outdoor entertainment and lounging areas. Indoor and outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room. Newly opened tower restaurant for optional dining, and spa services (e.g., massage, etc.) available on-site.
• Hotel is located with view of scenic Tennessee Valley.
• There is no charge to park at the hotel.
Meals Information
Meal Choices:
• Breakfasts will be eaten at the hotel. The breakfasts will be buffet style.
• Lunches will be at the golf course with different choices on different days.
• All dinners will be eaten at the hotel and might be pre-selected plated meals or a buffet.
(Vegetarian choices can be requested. Indicate that desire on the medical form you return to us.)
Travel Information
Map to Muscle Shoals
TRAVELING BY AIR
• Recommend that you fly to the Huntsville International Airport.
• The Huntsville airport is approximately 1 hour from the hotel.
• There are a myriad of rental car companies located in Huntsville, AL (Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National, Thrifty, etc.) Phone numbers can be found at www.huntsville.org/taxi.php
NOTE: There is a small airport, the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport, which is located about 7 miles from the hotel. But, the only major airline carrier to service that airport is Northwest Airlink which flies out of Memphis. If you fly in to this regional airport, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa will pick you up from that small airport. However, you should call in advance to arrange for this service. Call the hotel at 256.246-3600.
Shuttle/Limo Option from Huntsville Airport to Hotel:
• It is approximately 1 hour from the Huntsville International Airport to the hotel.
• The Executive Connections limousine company provides shuttle service from the Huntsville Airport to the hotel at a charge of $85.00 one-way for one person, ($10 for each additional person).
• The phone number is 256.772-0186.
• Call in advance to verify rate and to make reservations.
TRAVELING BY CAR
From Huntsville (Approximately 1 hour from Huntsville)
University Drive:
Take US 72 W into Florence, turn left at the Cox Creek/ AL-133 intersection (K-Mart on left) go through 3 traffic lights and Hotel is on the right.
Governors Drive:
Take I-565 W which will merge into US 72 W into Decatur. After the bridge turn right which will still be US 72 W/ AL-20 W. Continue on and turn right onto AL-133 (at Shell Station). Go through a 4-way stop and four traffic lights. You will go over Patton Island Bridge and at the next traffic light turn right, go to top of ramp and turn right onto Veterans Drive. Go approximately one mile and turn right onto Hightower Place.
From Birmingham (And Mobile and Montgomery) (Approximately 2 hours from Birmingham)
Take I-65 N towards Huntsville. Take AL-157 Cullman/Moulton Exit 310. At top of ramp go left onto AL-157, AL-157 will merge into US 72 W, turn right on Wilson Dam Road/AL-133 (at Shell Station). Go through a 4-way stop and four traffic lights. You will go over Patton Island Bridge and at the next traffic light turn right, go to top of ramp and turn right onto Veterans Drive. Go approximately one mile and turn right onto Hightower Place.
From Nashville (Approximately 2 hours)
Take I-65 S to Athens exit 351, go right at top of ramp and that will be US 72 W, continue into Florence, turn left at the Cox Creek/AL-133 intersection (K-Mart on left) go through three lights and Hotel is on the right.
From Memphis (Approximately 2 hours)
Take US 72 E to the US 72/ US 43 intersection, turn left onto US 43/ Woodward Avenue, go approximately six miles, at the eighth red light turn right onto Reservation Road continue on this road and it will go across Wilson Dam, after the dam the Hotel is on the left.
From Chattanooga (Approximately 2 hours)
Take I-24 W toward Nashville/Birmingham for about 27-32 miles, then take Exit 152 onto US 72 W toward US 41/ Kimball/ US 64/ South Pittsburgh, take the ramp toward South Pittsburgh/ Russell Cave National Monument, merge onto US 72 W, stay straight to go onto I-565 W, merge onto Research Park Boulevard NW/ AL-255 N via Exit 14B, take the US 72 W Exit on University Dr. toward Athens and continue to follow US 72 W and continue into Florence for about 57 miles, turn left at the Cox Creek/ AL-133 intersection (K-Mart on left) go through three lights and Hotel is on the right.
Climate Information
Month |
Average High |
Average Low |
Mean |
Average Precipitation |
January |
49◦ F |
31◦ F |
40◦ F |
4.97 inches |
February |
55◦ F |
34◦ F |
44.5◦ F |
4.46 inches |
March |
64◦ F |
42◦ F |
53◦ F |
6.21 inches |
April |
72◦ F |
49◦ F |
60.5◦ F |
4.43 inches |
May |
80◦ F |
58◦ F |
69◦ F |
5.30 inches |
June |
87◦ F |
66◦ F |
76.5◦ F |
4.90 inches |
July |
91◦ F |
70◦ F |
80.5◦ F |
4.52 inches |
August |
90◦ F |
68◦ F |
79◦ F |
2.96 inches |
September |
84◦ F |
62◦ F |
73◦ F |
4.30 inches |
October |
74◦ F |
49◦ F |
61.5◦ F |
3.22 inches |
November |
62◦ F |
41◦ F |
51.5◦ F |
5.09 inches |
December |
53◦ F |
34◦ F |
43.5◦ F |
5.44 inches |
General Information
What to Bring
• Clothing that can be layered in case the heat or the air-conditioning systems are activated.
• Depending on the specific season, bringing a coat, rain gear and umbrella can be a good idea.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Work-out clothes if you want to use hotel fitness facility.
• Hat, visor, sun screen for our Southern sunshine.
• Notebook or note paper in case you want to take notes.
• Flashlight (for emergency use)
• Camera, extra memory devices for digital cameras, batteries and/or battery charger
• Toiletries and medications
• Some participants like to “dress-up” a bit for the final night, but it is not necessary.
• Any props you might need if you decide to share something with the group (eg: musical instrument, poem, etc.)
• Credit card: You will be asked to provide a credit card when registering at the hotel to cover any incidental expenses you may have, such as telephone calls, room service, etc.
• If playing golf, there is a collared shirt requirement for men. There is a “no denim” requirement for all players.
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